Reducing the harm
The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. However, we know there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner. To help keep communities safe we therefore provide information about proven methods of drug harm reduction.
It can be dangerous to combine benzodiazepines with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or opiates. These combinations can lead to unconsciousness or, in high doses, death. People taking benzodiazepines should avoid taking alcohol and other drugs. If a person becomes unconscious after taking benzodiazepines they should be rolled into the recovery position to avoid them choking.
Benzodiazepine tablets or capsules are intended for oral use only. However some people inject benzodiazepines which can be very dangerous and has the potential to cause serious health problems.
Health problems associated with injecting benzodiazepines include:
- collapsed veins
- clotting of veins
- red, swollen, infected skin
- amputation of limbs due to poor circulation
- stroke or even death.
Sharing injecting equipment exposes the user to the risk of blood borne viruses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus – the virus that causes AIDS).
To find a list of needle exchange locations click here www.needle.co.nz
If you have been taking benzodiazpines for an extended period of time (a month or more) you should seek medical advice before stopping or reducing use. A medical professional will help you to manage any possible withdrawal symptoms.
